We’ve always been fans of the Casa Salad Recipe, a fresh and flavorful dish that brings a touch of rustic charm to any meal. Originating from simple home-style traditions it’s packed with crisp veggies and zesty dressings that make it irresistible.
This easy-to-make salad isn’t just delicious—it’s versatile for everyday dinners or special occasions. We’ll guide you through creating our go-to version that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients
As we dive into crafting our vibrant Casa Salad, a blend of crisp vegetables and zesty flavors that capture home-style traditions, we focus on sourcing high-quality ingredients. Below, we list them in the order they’re typically prepared, with specific prep notes for accuracy and ease.
- Romaine lettuce (2 heads, washed and torn into bite-sized pieces) – This forms the fresh, crunchy base of our Casa Salad, providing a crisp texture that absorbs dressings beautifully.
- Cherry tomatoes (1 cup, halved) – We slice these juicy gems for a burst of sweetness and color, enhancing the salad’s visual appeal and flavor balance.
- Cucumber (1 large, diced) – Peeled and chopped for a refreshing crunch, this adds a cool, hydrating element to our mix.
- Red onion (1 medium, thinly sliced) – We recommend soaking in cold water for 5 minutes to mellow its sharpness, ensuring it complements without overpowering.
- Feta cheese (½ cup, crumbled) – This tangy, creamy addition brings a rustic charm; use full-fat for the best melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- Kalamata olives (½ cup, pitted and halved) – Pitted for safety and ease, these offer a briny depth that ties into the salad’s Mediterranean-inspired roots.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced) – Freshly minced to release its pungent aroma, this is key for infusing our homemade dressing with bold flavor.
- Olive oil (¼ cup, extra-virgin) – We select high-quality extra-virgin for its rich, fruity notes, forming the base of our zesty dressing.
- Lemon (1 large, juiced) – Freshly squeezed for a bright acidity that elevates the entire dish, aiming for about 2 tablespoons.
- Salt and pepper (to taste, about ½ teaspoon each) – We adjust these essentials last to fine-tune seasoning, ensuring every bite is perfectly balanced.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 250 | 13% |
| Protein | 6g | 12% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Vitamin C | 20mg | 22% |
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our fresh ingredients for the Casa Salad, we will guide you through the simple, step-by-step process to prepare and assemble this vibrant, flavorful dish that bursts with crisp textures and zesty tastes.
Prep the Ingredients
Before assembling our Casa Salad, we start by prepping the ingredients in the order they will be used to ensure maximum freshness and flavor.
- Romaine Lettuce: Begin with 1 large head of romaine lettuce. Rinse it thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt, then pat dry with a clean towel. Chop into bite-sized pieces, aiming for about 4 cups, to create a crisp, green base that adds a refreshing crunch.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Take 1 cup of cherry tomatoes. Slice each one in half to release their juicy sweetness, which will provide a burst of bright, tangy flavor and vibrant red color to the salad.
- Cucumber: Use 1 medium cucumber. Peel if desired, then slice into thin rounds or dice into 1/2-inch pieces for a cool, hydrating element that contrasts with the salad’s bolder tastes.
- Red Onion: Prepare 1 small red onion by peeling and slicing it thinly into rings or half-moons. This step infuses a sharp, pungent kick that mellows slightly when combined, enhancing the overall depth.
- Feta Cheese: Crumble 1/2 cup of feta cheese into small chunks. This adds a creamy, tangy contrast that melts slightly in the mouth, elevating the salad’s rich, savory profile.
- Kalamata Olives: Pit and slice 1/2 cup of Kalamata olives. Their briny, earthy notes will deliver a Mediterranean essence that ties the ingredients together.
- Garlic: Mince 2 cloves of garlic finely. This aromatic base will form the heart of our dressing, releasing a pungent, irresistible scent as it’s mixed.
- Olive Oil and Lemon Juice: Measure out 1/4 cup of extra-virgin olive oil and 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. Whisk them together in a small bowl to create a light, zesty dressing that coats the salad with a glossy sheen and bright acidity.
- Seasoning: Finally, gather 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. These will amplify the flavors, ensuring a well-balanced, herbaceous finish.
Assemble the Salad
With our ingredients prepped and ready, we now combine them to build our Casa Salad, layering flavors and textures for a visually appealing dish that delights the senses.
- Start with the Base: In a large salad bowl, add the chopped romaine lettuce as the foundation. This creates a sturdy, crisp bed that holds the other elements, allowing their colors and flavors to shine.
- Add Vegetables: Scatter the sliced cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion over the lettuce. Gently toss them together to distribute evenly, forming a colorful medley that evokes the rustic charm of a traditional home-style salad.
- Incorporate Accents: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and sliced Kalamata olives on top. These additions bring a creamy, briny contrast that enhances the salad’s Mediterranean vibe, with the feta offering a soft melt-in-your-mouth feel.
- Prepare and Dress: In a separate small bowl, whisk the minced garlic into the olive oil and lemon juice mixture, then stir in the oregano, salt, and black pepper. Drizzle this vibrant dressing over the salad and toss lightly with tongs to coat everything evenly, ensuring each bite is infused with a zesty, herbaceous tang.
- Final Touches: Let the salad sit for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld, resulting in a harmonious blend of crispness, tang, and savoriness that makes our Casa Salad a versatile kitchen staple for any occasion.
Conclusion
We’ve loved exploring the Casa Salad with you, and we’re confident it’ll become your go-to dish for its fresh vibes and easy prep. It’s a simple way to bring that homemade charm to any table, leaving everyone satisfied and eager for more.
Remember, once you’ve tried it, you’ll see how it elevates everyday meals with minimal effort—let’s make it a staple in our kitchens!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Casa Salad?
Casa Salad is a fresh, flavorful dish rooted in home-style traditions, combining crisp vegetables and zesty dressings for a rustic charm. It’s versatile for everyday meals or special occasions, making it a go-to kitchen staple that enhances any table with its vibrant taste and aesthetic appeal.
What ingredients are needed for Casa Salad?
Key ingredients include romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, feta cheese, Kalamata olives, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and seasonings. Each is selected for optimal flavor and texture; prepare by washing and chopping vegetables, crumbling cheese, and mincing garlic to ensure freshness.
How do you prepare Casa Salad?
Start by prepping ingredients: wash and chop romaine lettuce, slice tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions, crumble feta, and mince garlic. Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, and seasonings for the dressing. Assemble by layering ingredients, toss with dressing, and let flavors meld for a delicious, visually appealing salad.
Is Casa Salad healthy?
Yes, Casa Salad is nutritious, packed with vitamins from fresh vegetables like romaine lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers. Each serving offers low calories, healthy fats from olive oil, and protein from feta cheese and olives, making it a great choice for balanced, wholesome meals.
Can Casa Salad be customized?
Absolutely, Casa Salad is versatile; swap ingredients based on preference, such as using different greens or adding proteins like grilled chicken. Experiment with dressings or extras like nuts for variety, while keeping the core elements for optimal flavor and texture.
What are the health benefits of Casa Salad?
Casa Salad promotes health with its nutrient-dense ingredients, providing antioxidants from vegetables, heart-healthy fats from olive oil, and probiotics from olives and feta. It’s low in calories yet filling, supporting weight management and overall wellness when enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.